Is Sierra Leone rich in diamonds?

Diamonds are found in about a quarter of Sierra Leone in the south-east and east of the country, with the diamond fields cover 7,700 square miles. The main production areas are concentrated around the drainage areas of rivers in the Kono, Kenema and Bo Districts.

Are there still blood diamonds in Sierra Leone?

However, during the brutal civil war that raged between 1991 and 2002, the mine fell into the hands of South African mercenaries and has been operated as a private enterprise ever since. Once the centre of the “blood diamond” trade, today the mine is operated by Koidu Limited.

How much money a year is Sierra Leone diamond industry worth?

And the informal nature of the industry in Sierra Leone makes it easy for local communities to miss out on any related economic benefits. Diamond mining remains one of Sierra Leone’s most lucrative export industries, with annual production of up to US$250m.

What percentage of Sierra Leone diamonds are thought to be smuggled out of the country?

Only about 20% of the world’s diamonds are taken from pipe mines, and the remaining 80% of diamonds are alluvial.

Is Blood Diamond true story?

The diamond industry is abuzz over the new film Blood Diamond, a fictional account of rebel militias in Sierra Leone fueling a bloody civil war through the sale of the precious gems. FOREIGN POLICY: Blood Diamond stars Leonardo DiCaprio as an African mercenary on the hunt for a massive pink diamond.

What is the biggest diamond found in Sierra Leone?

709-carat
Miners extract gravel at a diamond mine in Koryardu, Sierra Leone, where the 709-carat diamond was found in 2017.

Is Blood Diamond a true story?

What is the diamond capital of the world?

Antwerp
Antwerp and the Diamond Industry Antwerp is the undisputed diamond capital of the world. With 84% of the world’s rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds passing through, the city attracts international traders seeking the highest quality diamonds.